Covid-19 NOTICE Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Carter Caves State Re-sort Park has taken measures to help prevent the spread of this virus. It is for this reason that our cave tours will have a limited number of people allowed. Tours will however be conducted more often at dedi-cated intervals between the times specified for each cave. Visitors will not be permitted to purchase tickets in advance. Instead, parties will be placed on the next available tour for your selected cave. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation in these uncertain times.

For information about cave tours or events please call: OFFICE OF INTERPRETATION

(606) 286-7009

For lodging and additional park info. please call: LEWIS CAVELAND LODGE

(606) 286-4411

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CASCADE CAVE

TICKETS SOLD AT THE WELCOME CENTER, VISITORS WILL BE GIVEN A TOUR TIME UPON PURCHASING

TICKETS AT WELCOME CENTER.

ALL TOURS BEGIN AT CASCADE CAVE. LOCATED 3.6 MILES FROM THE WELCOME CENTER.

(Driving directions below.) TRANSPORTATION IS NOT PROVIDED.

Cascade Cave is one of the largest caves to be found in Carter County. Visitors often remark on its large passageways and on the grandeur of its formations. The walking tour will bring visitors through the “heart” of the cave – Cascade Cave, through a cave collapse valley into North Cave, and before departing – over to a 30+ ft. underground waterfall. While on a tour visitors can hope to learn about the cave’s geologic formations, cave ecology, and some local history.

Daily: 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

WALKING DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY: 3/4 mile with 225 stair steps, some stooping

DURATION: About 75 minutes

TEMPERATURE: 50-60 degrees (variable)

ADMISSION: $10 —age 13 & up

$ 6 —age 3-12 FREE—age 2 & under

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X CAVE

TICKETS SOLD AT THE WELCOME CENTER. VISITORS WILL BE GIVEN A TOUR TIME UPON PURCHASING

TICKETS AT WELCOME CENTER. ALL TOURS BEGIN IN FRONT OF THE WELCOME CENTER.

X Cave is comprised of two narrow, vertical joint-passageways. These passageways differ so that it seems as if you are walking through two separate geologic creations rather than a singular cave. While inside visitors will learn of the cave’s geologic formations, cave ecology, and some local history.

Monday - Friday: 9:30 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.

WALKING DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY: About 1/4 mile with 75 stair steps, some

stooping, narrow passages

DURATION: About 45 minutes

TEMPERATURE: 30-50 degrees (variable)

ADMISSION: $ 8 —age 13 & up

$ 5 —age 3-12 FREE—age 2 & under

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Guided cave tours are led by trained Interpretive Staff Members.

Cave tours are unscripted, varying from one tour guide to the next. Topics generally covered include history, geology, cave ecology, etc.

Conditions within each cave vary daily. To be best prepared visitors should dress according to the weather conditions outside. Most visitors prefer wearing a light jacket while on tours.

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread are recommended. Avoid flip-flops and other low-tread shoes as some surfaces may be wet/slick.

DIRECTIONS TO CASCADE CAVE

Cascade Cave is appx. 3.6 miles from the Welcome Center.

Leave main parking lot, turn left. At the park entrance turn right onto Rt. 182. In appx. 1.6 miles you will turn

right onto Rt. 209. Cascade Cave parking lot will be located

appx. 0.6 miles on the left.

CARTER CAVES STATE RESORT PARK

CAVE TOUR SCHEDULE

SUMMER SCHEDULE

July 6 - August 17, 2020

Cave tour schedules always available online at

PARKS.KY.GOV

TOUR SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

344 Caveland Drive Olive Hill, KY 4116

(606) 286-4411

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a disease that is killing 70-100% of hibernating bats in infected caves. WNS does not have any effect on humans, livestock, or, pets, only hibernating bats. WNS was first noted in some caves across the park in February 2013.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Do not wear the shoes, clothing, or carry objects that you had with you while on a cave tour at Carter Caves into another cave system outside of Carter Caves area. This may prevent spreading the disease to a new location.

PROHIBITED ON CAVE TOURS

Because of the possibility of WNS contamination, the following are prohibited on cave tours: Pets (service animals allowed)

Bags of ANY type - including purses, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera cases, backpacks etc. Bags containing necessary medical supplies ARE permitted.

REQUIRED POST-TOUR DECONTAMINATION PROTOCOL

All CCSRP cave tour participants will be required to participate in a post-tour WNS decontamination procedure. This procedure will ensure that the bottom of both shoes of each participant are treated with a mixture of Lysol and water. This process has been proven to help prevent the spread of the spores which cause WNS.

NOTE: Please review these required post-tour procedures before the purchase of any cave tour tickets.

NO REFUNDS are issued for cave tour tickets.

Founded in 1946, Carter Caves State Resort Park is home to an expansive system of natural caves. Some of these caves are open to the public for viewing and

exploration at various times throughout the year.

Look inside this schedule for tour descriptions, tour times, and prices!

Visitors may purchase cave tour tickets inside of the Gift Shop at the Welcome Center. Tickets are sold by

day—there are no reservations or advance sales.

Cave tour tickets are non-refundable.

GROUP SCHEDULING

Organizations with large groups of people (20+ individuals) may be able to schedule privately led cave tours or activities

(Pending CDC guidelines) through the Office of Interpretation. Call us today at (606) 286-7009 to find out what activities we

may be able to offer that will best suit the needs of your group.

Rates and availability will vary. $100 minimum for all private programming.

Lodging, dining, venue reservations, and other group scheduling needs

can be met by our Group Sales Coordinator. Ph. (606) 286-7004

Carter Caves - Important Phone Numbers

Front Desk: (606) 286-4411 Welcome Center: (606) 286-7010 Office of Interpretation: (606) 286-7009

LAUREL & HORN HOLLOW CAVES ( SELF-GUIDED CAVE EXPLORATION )

PERMIT REQUIRED - PERMITS GIVEN OUT AT THE WEL-COME CENTER

Laurel & Horn Hollow Cave systems are a self-guided cave exploration opportunity available at Carter Caves. To enter these caves, visitors must first obtain a permit (free) from the Welcome Center. Permits for Horn Hollow are availa-ble year-round, however, issuance is weather-dependent. Laurel Cave is also available as a self guided cave from Me-morial Day to Labor Day, the same rules apply for both.

REQUIREMENTS: Visitors must have at least one other person in their group, wear closed-toe shoes, and provide their own working flashlight (cell phones cannot be used as a light source). More information available at the Welcome Center.